Chicago White Sox outfielder Everson Pereira has been activated from the seven-day injured list ahead of Monday’s series opener against the New York Yankees at Guaranteed Rate Field. Pereira, 25, returns after missing more than a month due to a concussion sustained on June 17 during a game at Yankee Stadium.

Pereira, who had been sidelined since June 18, suffered the concussion while attempting a catch in the seventh inning, crashing into the wall. It marked the first concussion of his professional career. He described the injury and recovery process as “definitely frustrating,” particularly the difficulty of feeling physically ready but unable to return to play until medically cleared.

“The most difficult part was I was feeling good physically, but I wasn’t getting the green light to play,” Pereira said. “Managing that was the most difficult part.” Despite the injury, he expressed a determination to continue making aggressive defensive plays. “I’m just going to try to catch the ball no matter what,” he said.

Pereira’s 2026 season has been marred by multiple stints on the injured list, including a left ankle sprain earlier in the year and a right pectoral strain. Before this latest injury, he appeared in 21 games, recording a .232 batting average with four doubles, three home runs and seven RBIs.

White Sox manager Will Venable praised Pereira’s contributions on both offense and defense. “Everson’s been great,” Venable said. “We’ve seen his defense, and unfortunately that’s what led to this injury. He’s a really good defender with a ton of power and good swing decisions. He’s made a huge impact for us.”

Venable indicated that Pereira will initially be used primarily against left-handed pitching as he regains his form. “For now, especially up front, we want to make sure he’s feeling good and stays healthy, probably just against lefties to start,” he said.

To make room on the roster for Pereira, the White Sox optioned outfielder Junior Pérez to Triple-A Charlotte. Pérez struggled offensively in his 22 games with Chicago, batting .171 with three home runs. Pereira himself completed a rehab assignment with the Charlotte Knights, hitting .160 with one home run over seven games.

Meanwhile, fellow outfielder Austin Hays remains on a rehab stint with Charlotte as he works back from a left calf strain sustained in early May. Hays has shown progress, appearing in seven games with two home runs and six RBIs, with Venable noting he is gradually increasing his playing time in the field.

Pereira’s return comes just before the White Sox host the Yankees and then travel to Florida to face the Tampa Bay Rays. Pereira has past major league experience with both organizations, having played for the Yankees in 2023 and the Rays in 2025. Acquired by the White Sox in November in a trade that included infielder Tanner Murray, Pereira aims to help his current team push toward victories down the stretch.

“My focus is just to try to win games,” he said.